Denmark's 88 per cent voter turnout embarrasses Canada

Canadians have reason to fret about the direction that federal politics is taking these days. Our voter turnout keeps dropping, while “real” participatory democracies, like those in Denmark, show strong signs of authentic health. Last week’s Danish election featured an 87.7 per cent voter turnout. As I have been in Denmark for the election, I have seen young Danes just as engaged in politics as older ones. They believe they can make a difference. Similar levels of voter interest and passion consistently show up in Germany, Austria, Sweden and several other European countries. In contrast, the turnout at Canada’s May federal election was a worrisome 61 per cent. That may be up from 59 per cent in 2008, but Canadian voter turnout has been steadily declining since 1958 when it was 79 per cent. Many credit the decline to disillusionment, particularly with our first-past-the-post system and especially with our near-abusive political advertising during campaigns. Similar negative factors in the U.S. have dropped turnout to a dismal average of 48 per cent. We have a lot to learn from the way Danes discuss political issues, not just personalities. The nine party leaders seemed to be taking part in TV debates almost every night. The enthusiasm is due in part to the country’s practise of proportional representation and its openness to coalition governments. While Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper has mocked the idea of coalition governments, Danes make it work. Many also believe proportional representation is key to giving Danes the sense their votes are not wasted. The new prime minister also happens to be a woman: Social Democrat Helle Thorning-Schmidt.